State Dept. Thinks You Are Hot Enough to Get Robbed Overseas

March 30, 2016 7:17 PM EDT

The State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs issued an apology Wednesday after a warning spring breakers overseas drew backlash on social media.

“Not a “10” in the US? Then not a 10 overseas,” read the post, which has since been deleted. “Beware of being lured into buying expensive drinks or worse—being robbed. #springbreakingbadly”

The agency then posted an apology for the tweets, saying it wanted Americans to “be careful while traveling.”

Some have been offended by our earlier tweet and we apologize that it came off negatively 1/2

— Travel - State Dept (@TravelGov) March 30, 2016

We see many Americans fall victim to scams each year & want all to be careful while traveling 2/2

— Travel - State Dept (@TravelGov) March 30, 2016

The message is part of a State Department social media campaign “#springbreakingbadly,” which uses funny tweets about travel scenarios to warn spring breakers traveling out of the country to remain vigilant.

Somebody offered you a free trip abroad, but the free luggage they offered is lined with cocaine. Beware of these scams #springbreakingbadly

— Travel - State Dept (@TravelGov) March 29, 2016

Some took offense to the tweet, but others praised the agency for it’s funny, yet effective messages—or took the opportunity to get in on the joke themselves.

The State Department as your super judgmental friend who says stuff your other friends are too nice to say

— Matt Pearce 🦅🇺🇸 (@mattdpearce) March 30, 2016

“Do Americans gag when they see your face? Then Europeans will too. You’re hopeless”
Love,
The US State Department

— Roberto Aram Ferdman (@robferdman) March 30, 2016